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Minister of Education, Andrew Holness, has called on parents to reinforce the values taught to their children at schools, when they are at home.
Addressing students, parents and teachers at the Garlogie Primary and Junior High School in Clarendon on February 22, the Minister pointed out that teachers had to contend with indiscipline in the schools and it was the responsibility of parents to ensure that children are not given opposite signals from those the teachers are imparting.
“The unruliness of children is not their fault. It has come about because as parents, we are failing to make children fully respect and live by the values that our teachers are giving them. I say to you all, ensure that your children participate in the different activities that the school has going, and also when they are at home, help them with their work. The business of educating children is not for teachers alone, it is for us as parents to play our part,” the Minister emphasized.
Mr. Holness encouraged the teachers to respect the rights of children, noting that harsh treatment of children could lead to conflict and violence, such as the one witnessed by Garlogie two weeks ago when persons invaded the school and seriously injured a male teacher.
After his address, the Minister went to the home of the recuperating teacher and offered words of encouragement to him on behalf of the Government.
Principal of the school, Mansel Williams said that the teachers and himself felt reassured by the Minister’s presentation.
“His visit was really good, the teachers and students feel that the authorities have their security as high priority. At his intervention, we have received additional security from a major security firm, and a contractor has done estimates for more fencing of the compound,” he said.
“The solidarity he has shown with our colleague who was injured has gone a far way to give us reassurance in our work, and he fully appreciates what we face as teachers,” Mr. Williams said.